Catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction

The classical Henry reaction, the coupling of a nitroalkane with a carbonyl compound in the presence of a base, is an important C-C bond forming reaction in organic chemistry giving beta-nitroalcohols, which are useful synthons in organic synthesis. However, an asymmetric version of the reaction, that has been developed recently, gives a new dimension to the classical Henry reaction whereby the control of stereochemistry of two newly generated carbon centres has become possible. In this review, the various catalytic methods for this purpose are discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.